Overview:
Over the years, the Ankole Cup tournament has grown in stature, relevance and popularity for the ability to attract the cream-de-la-cream of Uganda’s players who feature for the national team and top super division clubs.
Ankole Cup 2026 (Opening Ceremony):
Saturday, 6th June | Bushenyi Main Stadium
Friendlies:
- St Kaggwa Vs Nganwa High School – 1:00 p.m.
- MPs Vs Media – 3:00 p.m.
Main match:
- Bushenyi District vs. Sheema District – 4:30 p.m.
If all goes according to plan, the 2026 Ankole Cup is envisaged to leave lasting impressions in Uganda’s sporting and social circles.
Happening this summer in the June – August window when the football season in Uganda will be in recess, the Ankole Cup, which brings together 13 district teams, will probably be the major talking point during the period.
Organisers, joined by team leaders and different Members of Parliament, addressed the media at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala on Monday, 4th May 2026.
“The preparations for a successful Ankole Cup are going aggressively and we would like to thank the members of the organising committee, team heads and the different members of parliament, district leaders and the media,” Osborne Mushabe, chairperson of the local organising committee, remarked.
Mp’s Hon. Mwine Mpaka, Adrine Katusiime, Jovrine Kaliisa, Lilloan Ruteraho, Peter Agaba, Mercy Kanyesigye and Dan Atwijukire Kimosho all spoke about their respective teams’ readiness.
“The Ankole Cup is here. I thank the organising committee. It has helped to work on the mindset of many people in the region about football and sports in general,” Hon. Mpaka remarked.
There is an official launching dinner on 19th May 2026 at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
The Deputy Speaker for the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon Thomas Tayebwa is the chief guest when the rebranded prestigious Ankole Cup 2026 kicks off at Bushenyi Main Stadium.
The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, 6th June 2026, with two curtain raiser matches before the Bushenyi versus Sheema main duel at 4:30 PM.
The old rivalry between St Kaggwa and Nganwa High School will be reignited during the first curtain raiser match at 1 PM.
This will be followed by a contest between Members of Parliament and the media at 3 PM.
The main match of the day will then take place at 4:30 PM as hosts Bushenyi take on Sheema in a Group A duel.
For starters, the Ankole Cup 2026 has lured 13 districts divided into four groups.
Group A has Bushenyi district, Sheema district and Ntungamo district.
Kazo district, Ibanda district and Kiruhura district are in group B.
Group C has Isingiro district, Rwampara district, Mbarara City and Kashari.
In Group D, there is Buhweju district, Rubirizi district and Mitooma district.
Follow the matches and schedule:
Forty-three (43) matches will be played in total from the group stages, quarterfinals (two legs), semifinals (two legs) and the grand finale.
The climax of the tournament will happen on Sunday, 16th August 2026 at the Kabwohe Stadium.
Each district is expected to register 25 players. Of these 20 must be born within that exact district, and five players who feature in superior leagues can be used.
Over the years, the Ankole Cup tournament has grown in stature, relevance and popularity for the ability to attract the cream of Uganda’s players who feature for the national team and top super division clubs.
This tournament is also a viable platform to provide unwavering entertainment for the people, unify the varying persons who affiliate with different political groups or social classes and an avenue to help identify raw talented players.
